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Captivating Cappadocia

When George broke the news that we were joining a guided tour to Cappadocia, I was ecstatic! God is great! Only eight days in Turkey and we were getting a tour to one of its most beautiful places-for free! Isn’t that amazing?

So we left Ankara at 5:30 in the morning and arrived in Cappadocia after almost four hours of travel through a rented mini bus. Our first stop was at the Pigeon Valley where my eyes feasted on the majesty of human creativity. We were told that early Cappadocian farmers manually carved these pigeon houses on the hills, placed food for the birds, and collected droppings to be used as natural fertilizers. There were sooo many pigeon houses because for the farmers, more poop spelled more farm produce. Unfortunately, the practice stopped when farmers discovered artificial fertilizers.

the tour guide explaining the use of the pigeon caves

There was also a souvenirs shop where we bought ref magnets to include in my growing collection back home.

cute ref magnets from Cappadocia

There was also a natural viagra market which amused George so he had his photo taken for souvenir.

George gamely posing by the natural viagra market

Then we went to Göreme Open-Air Museum where we spent about two hours tour time. It was almost like hiking in Albay’s Lignon Hill, only that the stretch is much longer and the view’s a lot better. We saw stone churches where early Christians (including St. Bede) first practiced Christianity, away from the condemning Roman soldiers. There were paintings inside the cave churches and I was in awe of the devotion the early Christians had to be able to express their faith through paintings.

feeling the background while there

I would have taken pictures inside but it was prohibited. The tour guide said that taking of photos (without flash) inside the caves used to be allowed but was later on banned because many tourists disobeyed. The flash on cameras made the paintings susceptible to fading and the government wanted to do everything to preserve it.

It cost 20 Turkish Lira (approximately Php300) to enter the museum. There was also an option to have an audio guided tour in languages such as French, English, or Chinese/Korean for an additional 50TL (if my memory serves me right). We didn’t need it though because our guide spoke good English, only that her accent made me exert more effort in listening.

ticket selfie

me with Ankara PE’s pretty translator and the friendly tour guide

Our third stop was another Open-Air Museum that was about 40-45 minutes away from where we had lunch. It was supposedly where, according to our guide, the most beautiful fairy chimneys or rock formations can be found. Indeed, the place did not disappoint. There were animal-looking formations and there were human-looking ones too. They were just so amazing to look at!

souvenirs, clothes, hats, and everything else

the Lord’s artistic majesty is unbelievable

that’s me, yes

There were also several camels that tourists could try riding (for photo ops) for 10 or 15TL. We just weren’t into it.

that’s one sexy camel, yes?

Then we headed to another museum where early pottery stuff of Cappadocia are kept. There was also live demonstration on how to make a simple red clay pot. I know, I know. I should have taken mental notes and actual photos…but lousy travelers forget to do those! Maybe next time I’d be better at travel blogging.

this lady was an expert in hand-painting the ceramic plates

Our last stop was the Kaymakli Underground City, one of the many underground cities in Cappadocia. These were built by early Christians too in order to avoid persecution. There were several tiny tunnels which we had to pass through in order to see the cave dwellings. The adventure was worth many burnt calories.

the underground city tour also cost 20TL

tunnels, tunnels, tunnels

this huge round rock was rolled over to the tunnel openings when there were enemy sightings

After almost seven hours of touring, we headed back to Ankara and slept away our tiredness. I must say that it was a happy, happy experience that left me wondering…

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One thought on “Captivating Cappadocia”

The photos and the story behind those photos were wonderful. I was wondering though what those blue containers in the “camel” photo held? Camel fuel (aka water)? Haha! You should take camel rides next time you get a chance. Good luck!